Can I pump hands-free with Sonata?

How do I register my breast pump?

Congratulations on your new Medela breast pump!
Register your pump now
Questions? Call 1-800-435-8316 to speak with a Medela Customer Service team member or click here to send us an email.

Does altitude affect the suction level of Sonata?

Sonata features Responsive Pump Technology. With Responsive Pump Technology, the pump automatically adjusts for changes in the body and or pumping environment making sessions more consistent and productive.

Can Sonata be repaired at Medela or a local repair center?

Call Customer Service for any type of service needed to your pump. We will troubleshoot to determine the cause of malfunction and help you to restore it to working order. Medela does not repair motors of personal care products like the Sonata even within its warranty. If within warranty, we may replace the unit after verifying the purchase date with a copy of your receipt. If outside warranty, we suggest purchasing a new unit.

What is the size comparison between Sonata and Freestyle?

Sonata weighs 2.2 lbs. and includes an integrated handle for a secure griop when moving from one stationary pumping surface to another. Freestyle weighs less than 1 lb., fits in the palm of your hand, and includes a belt clip designed for mobile pumping.

What’s the difference between the two pumping rhythms?

The Signature Rhythm (Rhythm 1) is inspired by our popular hospital-use Symphony Breast Pump. The Lifestyle Rhythm (Rhythm 2) is an alternate rhythm for when you want to change your pumping routine. It includes additional benefits of longer battery, and quieter pump operation when you need it.

What Rhythm is best for mom to use?

Every mom reacts differently to the vacuum feeling of a breast pump. Sonata’s two rhythms are available to customize your pumping session. You may find one rhythm more comfortable or effective than the other.

Are Sonata parts compatible with other Medela breast pumps?

Sonata’s double pumping kit components and power adaptor were developed exclusively for Sonata, to optimize performance. PersonalFit™ breast shields are compatible with all Medela breast pumps.

What does an air leak alert mean and how do I fix it?

My display shows an empty, flashing battery cell.

Your battery is broken.

First, reset your breast pump by pushing and holding the power button on the back of the pump, while it’s on, for 3-5 seconds or until the display flashes.

If that doesn’t work, Your battery is broken and unfortunately cannot be serviced or replaced. The pump is still operable in when plugged into an external power source but unfortunately will no longer work off battery power.

I was resetting my breast pump and now it won’t turn on.

Reset your breast pump by pushing the power button on the back of the pump, while it’s on, for 3-5 seconds or until the display flashes. If you hold the button in longer the pump can go into “storage mode”.

To remove from storage mode, plug your breast pump in to external power (wall outlet).

Approved by Moms Like You

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Lindajames1 from
Every Ounce CountsAs a working mother of multiples every ounce counts!! I truly believe Meleda took busy mothers into consideration when making this product I found myself tracking 1 to 1.5 ounces more right off the bat!! And the MyMedela app confirmed that. Every moment of silence that my house can gather is beneficial and that too comes from the SONATA absolute silence. The only downside I can possibly think of is the many parts to sanitize at the end of a long day. And the parts are kind of expensive but I received this as a gift from WeeSpring Parent Panel. So it was a complete blessing and it is going to change the breast pumping-world. Medela knows women’s body and how they respond. They truly know this time is critical to women and their babies taking everything into consideration with this pump!! Along with the MyMedela App that offers lactation consultants 24/7, Bluetooth tracking, rhythm changing sequences, tracking you and your baby’s health! Medela truly out did themselves on this one hands down. You get what you pay for and every cent is accounted for!!!

Date published: 2018-03-06

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Ceceliagirl from
Like the technology but........All Medela products are outstanding. I love the new technology of the Sonota but wish it was voice activated. To cumbersome logging into app and then breastfeeding. Barely used the app. Works as well as the pump in advanced

Date published: 2018-01-30

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Reereestads from
So much love for this Breast Pump!I received the Medela Sonata breast pump from the weespring parent panel and I don't know how I was pumping before without it!! This breast pump cannot even compare to the Pump In Style also by Medela. I definitely felt like I could express more milk with the Sonata than the Pump In Style and it was getting expressed at a quicker rate and it didn't even feel like I was strapped to a machine with how quiet the Sonata was while pumping. The fact that you can have the Sonata charged up and ready to take with you without having to worry about where to plug in is a complete life saver. It's even convenient to take with you on the road to pump while driving. Another huge plus for me was the added timer on the Sonata that could be easily synced up to the MyMedela App to keep track of how long and how much I am pumping each time. My only concern with the Sonata is that it does show you when the battery is low; however, it would be nice to have some sort of ding to be notified that the battery is about to die before it completely cannot be used. Overall, I am completely pleased with the Medela Sonata breast pump.

Date published: 2018-03-10

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Sally16 from
Love this pump!i could not be happier with the Medela Sonata breast pump. I was given this pump to try as part of the weeSpring Parent Panel.This is my second baby and I came to dread pumping with my first child. But this pump has made such a difference - it is so much quieter and easier to pump anywhere with the rechargeable battery. I feel like I’ve also been able to express more milk in a shorter amount of time. I love the timer so that I know how long I’ve been pumping as well. The parts are larger and easier to clean than the old Medela pump in style I had previously, and I don’t have to worry about losing the tiny membranes anymore.
The accompanying app wasn’t particularly useful for me but I could see it being more helpful for a first time mom or someone who works outside of the hope and wants to keep track of pumping sessions daily.
If you have a chance to buy or upgrade to this breast pump, I would absolutely do it! The set came with a chic black bag to carry everything, as well as some extra bottles, ice pack and cooler to transport milk. I would highly recommend this product for any pumping mamas!

Date published: 2018-03-03

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Molly21 from
Flexibility and customer serviceI bought this pump because I don’t have to have it plugged in to pump, givng me more flexibility. I had a few sporadic issues with my first pump as the customer service was amazing!

Date published: 2018-01-25

Rated 2 out of
5 by
Henewaah from
Good productI bought this a month ago, I was not happy, one of the 27 mm breast shields was broken. It came without receipt. Am disappointed with this product.

Date published: 2018-03-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Angela from
Perfect breast pump !This breast pump is soooo quite! It sucks out my milk just as my daughter does and I’m glad I picked this one !!

Date published: 2018-01-25

Rated 4 out of
5 by
MeganC from
Very quiet and comfortableI've always been a fan of Medela breast pumps and was excited when I received this pump from the weeSpring Parent Panel. Overall, I really liked this pump but have decided to go back to my smaller Medela pump. This pump is very quiet which was a big pro for me when pumping at work. It was also nice when pumping at home because I like to watch TV and always have trouble hearing with other pumps I've tried. The MyMedela app was very easy to use and connected to the pump quickly. I've used the app before for general tracking (i.e., when I feed the baby, which side I feed on, for how long, etc); this was an added bonus as I just had to turn the app on and it did a lot of the work for me. I also thought this pump was very comfortable at all speeds, never painful. A few things that I didn't like were the size of the pump - very bulky and heavy; the bag size/shape - the pump and tote and parts did not fit well at all in the bag; the battery life - I felt this battery died quickly. As I mentioned in the beginning, I really did like this pump, but I will be going back to my more portable Medela pump to use on a regular basis. I may keep this one in a stationary place to use on occasion.

Date published: 2018-03-06

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Lindsay07 from
Awesome Upgrades!I’ve been using this pump for a little over a month and it’s a great upgrade when compared to my Medela Pump In Style. I used the Pump in Style with my first child for ~10 months. I started using the Sonata for my second child, just as I returned to work and started pumping 3-4x/day, 5 days/week. My absolute favorite features are the extremely quiet operation and the timer on top. And while the app has more features than I care to use, I like the Bluetooth feature that helps me keep track of my pumping sessions.
I typically keep this in one place as I use this during my work day while my baby is in daycare but I’ve also flown with it and loved the battery capability. I was skeptical that the pump could keep its power but it was effective with the battery as it is plugged in.
The only thing I have a little trouble with is tightening the bottles while attached to the pump parts. Perhaps it’s a design feature to prevent over tightening but if you turn too far, the bottles pop off. It takes a little attention to find the sweet spot.
Overall I’m thrilled with this pump. It’s efficient, quiet and has lots of little perks that make it stand out against my original pump.
Thanks to the weeSpring Parent Panel for providing me with this product!

Date published: 2018-03-06

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Lovely Lashae from
Love itThe Sonata is the best. I'm in heaven

Date published: 2018-02-27

Rated 5 out of
5 by
brimason26 from
The Medela Sonata Does Not Disappoint!As a mom of two I have tried four different types of pumps! I have always loved how versatile the Medela accessories were but the pump in style is very bulky- which I hated. The Sonata gives me the Medela accessories but with a compact, portable pump! The shape and portability is similar to the Spectra Breast pumps but the Sonata is much nicer in my opinion. I love that the pump is rechargeable- this is the first pump I have used that was. It is also small enough that I can use it discreetly. It also comes with a great travel bag and travel accessories. This is also the only pump that I have used that allowed me to use an app with it! I have really struggled with breastfeeding my youngest and at times I have felt like I am attached to the pump. The sonata effectively expressed milk. It seemed to be more effective than the Medela Pump in Style. I would highly recommend the Sonata over the Pump in Style. Because of struggling to produce enough breastmilk with my youngest, it has been so important to have a great breast pump. I love the Medela brand and the Sonata did not disappoint! I would recommend this pump to any new mom that wants to breastfeed. Thank you to the WeeSpring Parent Panel for allowing me to try this product in exchange for my review.

Date published: 2018-03-05

Rated 4 out of
5 by
aerevard from
So Quiet!I was given this Breast pump to try as part of the weeSpring Parent Panel and I have to say i'm pretty impressed. The Medela Sonata Breast Pump has many great features, however I still use my trusty Medela Pump in Style Advanced every day. I have been using the Medela Pump in Style Advanced for two years now so was reluctant / excited to try something new. The most noticeable quality about the Sonata is it's QUIET! This machine is remarkably quiet. I can use this at work and it's much more discreet. My husband also appreciates that he can still hear the TV while i'm pumping before bed :) The portability is great as well. The ability to be unplugged while pumping is very helpful when on the go. I've used it in the car during a night out with the girls. Also during mundane household things like letting the dog out, picking up a dropped pacifier, etc. without having to "unplug and plug". I give the Sonata breast pump four out of five starts because I don't believe it extracts as much milk as the Medela Pump in Style Advanced, but that could be my inexperience with the Sonata. I also think the display could use a bit of work as the numbers look blurry. The pump comes with bottle holders, which seem unnecessary. The app is a great feature, especially for newborns!

Date published: 2018-03-08

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Tara01 from
Medela Delivers AgainI was very excited to receive this pump from WeeSpring to review. I have been pumping since going back to work a few months ago after my little one was born. I have been using another Medela pump and occasionally, another brand of pump. I prefer the Medelas over the other brand I have. There are several features of the Sonata that make it stand out from the crowd.
-Portability--This pump is much smaller than my old Medela pump/bag. It doesn't take up the same amount of room on my desk. I also LOVE that I can charge it and don't need to plug it in. This is SUPER handy when in different buildings for meetings.
-Comfort--I found this pump just as comfortable as my other Medela. I always use a hands-free bra and I have no problem getting work done while pumping.
-Output--I'm always surprised at the amount I am able to pump during a 20 minute session. I attribute it to the efficiency of this pump.
-Digital/App--I love the digital features on this pump. I like there are two different settings to try and lots of levels. I like that it automatically switches from letdown mode to regular pumping mode. Most of all, I LOVE the MyMedela app. It is by far the most user-friendly, easiest app for pumping/feeding I have found. I love that the Sonata automatically connects to it (easy to set up!). I like the tracking for breastfeeding/pumping (and other things like diapers, sleep, bottles, weight, and height). It is motivating and helpful.
-QUIET--Finally, every time I turn on this pump I'm surprised by how incredibly quiet this pump is. It doesn't "talk" to me like my other pumps. This is super helpful when I'm on the phone or in a room with thinner walls.
So, why only four stars? The main drawback is the number of parts needed. I appreciate the closed-system and that the tubes don't get condensation, but there are so many parts to wash each night. While annoying, I wouldn't let this small drawback outweigh all the great features this pump offers. I would, however, invest in some steamer/sanitizing bags (Medela sells them too). They have been a lifesaver in the evenings to help sanitize all the parts.

Date published: 2018-03-14

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Megan K. from
The Diamond of Breast Pumps!If you are like me, you are a busy frazzled momma trying to keep her sanity while properly taking care of your precious child. Taking care of my precious child came in a way I didn't expect. t tried EVERYTHING to get my baby to latch after the hospital, but after several failed attempts. I decided that pumping was for me. I started with a hand pump. I know, what was I thinking?! I then switched to an electric pump, alternating breasts. It took a lot of time, the suction wasn't great, but it allowed me to get enough milk to satisfy my baby. In walks the Sonata. Holy Moly, why did't I start with this? This pump has the strongest yet smoothest suction. I am getting over twice the amount of milk I did with the previous electric pump. The noise level on the machine is so minimal that I can pump next to my sleeping baby. I have used this pump at home and at work. The size of the actual pump is so great to hide in my tote bag at work. I am a teacher so kids notice EVERYTHING! Not my pump. I quietly leave when they head to art or music and pump away without questions. The last and probably favorite feature of this pump is the app. The app allows me to keep tract of when I pump and the amount. The app also tracts the growth of my baby! Telling me how big her stomach is, how many wet diapers, weight, hours sleeping. etc. It's a great app. Thank you to Weespring Parent Panel for solving all of my breast pumping issues by gifting me this product!! I LOVE it.

Date published: 2018-03-03

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Raven9087 from
Overall very good but expensiveI was happy with this pump. It works very well. It’s super quiet, which I think is important. No one wants to pump at work, so discretion is nice. I am stay at home mom, but I know many moms who are working and would benefit greatly from this. Not to mention it can be charged at home and then you can pump in your car if needed or for that extra privacy. It came with a lot of accessories. I love the tote bag and the cooler bag, with freezer block and extra bottles. The parts are easy enough to assemble/dissemble and wash. I do think spectra s2 is easier, but only by a little bit. It’s closed system pump, which for me is a number 1 priority. I do not want to worry about backflow and then mold issues. It’s suction is strong, same as spectra s2, and for me, worked just as well. I loved the overall design. It just looked nice to me, high end, with a lot of options, but also easy to understand and use. The blue tooth option to pair with phone and use medela app is very neat. For me, not needed and really isn’t something I would bother to use. I can see how some would like this a lot more though. It’s very cool, very nice to have, but just not needed for me. I think this is a very expensive product however, and I would have to say my only complaint is the price. I would recommend this pump, yes, but I have to say I would tell any of my friends to get the spectra s1 or s2 over this medela Sonota simply because of price.
I received this product from weeSpring parent panel

Date published: 2018-03-03

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Linseykay from
A great pump - you won't be disappointed!The Medela Sonata is a user-friendly, effective double breast pump. Its size is convenient, it’s compact and lightweight. The pieces are easy to clean in the dishwasher and the pump body is easy to wipe off. The Y-shaped tubing is genius! I like that it has two expression modes, and I preferred the "lifestyle" pumping rhythm to the "signature" rhythm. It’s so quiet that my coworkers didn’t know I was pumping, and my baby wasn’t distracted by the noise when I pumped on one side while breastfeeding on the other.
I didn't think the suction was as strong as another Medela pump I’ve used, but my milk output was the same, which was probably due to the responsiveness of the pump. I can’t argue with pumping smarter rather than harder! The output was much greater than with a similar pump from another brand. I disliked how heavy the assemblies were, and it's not easy to hold both with one hand/arm. I had to use both hands while double pumping to effectively empty my breasts, even while wearing a bra. The components aren't easy to hand wash, and the tubing is prone to kinking. It’s easy to increase the suction too much, so watch out if your breasts are sensitive! I wasn’t able to use the MyMedela app with the pump due to issues with my phone.
Overall, this is a very nice breast pump that’s as good or better than comparable pumps on the market. The technology is constantly improving and you won’t be disappointed if you choose the Medela Sonata. Thanks to WeeSpring Parent Panel for providing me the opportunity to try this pump!

Date published: 2018-03-08

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Lynsc from
Quiet, Hightech and ComfortableThis is a wonderful pump!! I received this pump as part of the Weespring Parent Panel. I love how quiet yet powerful it is. It’s noticeably quieter than my Spectra S1. It’s pretty to look at, too! The parts are very easy to disassemble to clean and sanitize. Although, I feel like the bottle and pump parts are on the heavy side. When I use a pumping bra the weight of the bottle and parts tends to sag quite a bit. It’s not a deal breaker, but is definitely something to know.
I really love the App integration! It’s so incredibly helpful to keep track of how often you pump and also how many ounces you pump at a time. My milk supply slightly increased when I started using this pump. Honestly, I’m not sure if it was because of the pump itself or because tracking through the app helped me pump more consistently.
Love the rechargeable battery! I take it with me and pump while I’m out and about. But the battery doesn’t seem to last very long. I had to charge it at least once a day, sometimes twice. I can pump for almost 2 days without charging my S1 so the weak battery on the Medela Sonata is a little disappointing and inconvenient.
The touchscreen display panel is also really nice but is hard to read if you’re in a bright room, in the car during the day or outside. There’s unfortunately no way to adjust the brightness. And I also feel like the numerical display is a little clunky. It’s readable but the light bleeds so the display can stand to be a little more sharp.
Overall the pump is pretty impressive! Powerful, high tech, quiet, comfortable and efficient.

Date published: 2018-03-09

Rated 5 out of
5 by
houmama from
Best pump I've tried so far!This pump is seriously amazing! I'm exclusively pumping for the second time, and I've tried a ton of pumps. Prior to getting the Sonata I was using a Medela Symphony primarily and a battery operated pump from a different brand for travel and car pumping. My supply has been hard won and difficult to maintain, but I'm to the point where I trust the Sonata to maintain my supply as my primary pump which is going to save me about $64 a month.
The suction is fantastic on this pump, and I find it more comfortable than other pumps that I've tried. Comfort for me means higher output, which means I can donate to a milk bank now! It's really meaningful to me after being an under supplier with my first baby. This pump is quiet enough that I can pump next to a sleeping baby or husband and not disturb them. The noise isn't grating like some pumps I've tried.
I have so many parts for the Symphony that I was pretty bummed that the Sonata uses different ones, but I'm convinced that having more pieces gets them all cleaner because there are fewer nooks and crannies. Bonus: no more of those flappy valves that I can't stand! Car pumping feels way more discreet with the Sonata than the enormous battery pump setup. The battery gets me through 3-4 thirty minute pumping sessions between charges and it charges very quickly.
The app worked great for me. The fact that it connects with the pump is so so so awesome. I wish there was a way to import the first five months of data from the app I started with because I'm a total data nerd.
I'm so thankful to the weeSpring Parent Panel for giving me the opportunity to try this fantastic pump!

Date published: 2018-03-10

Rated 5 out of
5 by
aliddicoatt from
Pumping on the GoI began my pumping journey with a different Madela pump which worked well but tied me to an electrical outlet. Receiving the Madela Sonata pump from the weeSpring Parent Panel days before I returned to work is one of the happiest days of my breastfeeding/pumping experience! I do not have an office, nor am I in the same location for work. Finding an outlet near a chair and table is almost impossible. Enter the quiet, sleek, battery-operated Sonata with ice pack and carrier for four bottles. This pump has made returning to work so much easier! Though I do wish the bag was slightly larger to fit cleaning wipes and a pumping bra, it is compact and rides nicely on my shoulder. I love that there is a timer function on the pump as I do not have to keep my phone nearby in order to know how long I've been pumping. If I had this pump from the beginning I would probably have used the app, but I track ounces in a different app that tracks a variety of baby activities and like the convenience of one app. There are several pieces to the pump that need to be washed, but they are large and easy to clean, which I appreciate more than my other pump. This also makes it easier to rinse/clean while on the go without the worry of losing small pieces! The downfall is that it is a bit heavier and sometimes requires more support than my hands-free pumping bra provides. I have continued to pump the same amount as my previous pump in a shorter amount of time. Yay for more time to actually eat during lunch! I am in love with the portability and efficiency of this pump. If you must pump at work, this is THE pump.

Date published: 2018-03-06

Rated 2 out of
5 by
Jess S from the Northwest from
Pump in Style is BetterI needed a new pump as one that I was gifted broke. I compared two pumps: the Pump in Style, which is what I was using before, and this one. Ultimately I decided on this one, despite poorer reviews. Should have gone with my gut.
The best qualities of the Sonata are its portability and quiet..ness. But I’ve had too many issues with it already and I’m only 2 months into using it.
The battery issue that other users are reporting is definitely a legitimate issue. Mine died after just a month. And while I could use it as long as it was plugged in, A. That negates the whole read behind chiding this one B. It emitted an electrical/hot plastic smell. I was able to get a replacement quickly with the warranty still active, but we were in the middle of moving and it was annoying to have to track down the proof of purchase and box the old one back up to ship off. The replacement pump works fine but now I’m having suction issues. It isn’t the tubing or the pump itself. It seems to be originating from the accessory itself. The suction on it is weak and not draining my breast at all. The other breast is pumping just fine and if i switch breasts, the breast that was pumping well suddenly isn’t and the other one is getting the attention it needs.
I pump probably 90% of the time so this latest issue really frustrates me. I don’t have time to pump one breast at a time and these pumps are so expensive. Who can afford to buy more than one? I’m not sure what I’m going to do at this point.
I really regret not buying the Pump in Style. It worked. I knew I liked it. The Sonata is not worth the extra money.

Date published: 2018-02-10

Rated 4 out of
5 by
nmartin9 from
A great pump for all pumping momsThis is a great breast pump! There are so many awesome features that made pumping more enjoyable. I love how quiet it is. I was able to pump while my baby slept right next to me without waking him up. It is also very powerful considering how quiet it is, but gentle at the same time. Having a hospital grade pump is very important to me because I get nipple blebs, and having a good pump is key in getting rid of them. The amount of milk I express is greater as well. Another key feature of this pump is that it is portable. I absolutely love that! Before I had this pump, we would have to pull over to feed my son on road trips. Now I am able to pump in the car and feed him without stopping. The MyMedela app is also very handy for keeping track of pumping sessions. It can keep track of what side you pumped on, the amount of milk you pumped, and how long you pumped for. It also gives you great tips and advice. I previously had a different pump from the same brand, and this pump is the clear winner!
I only have two complaints about this pump. I was a little disappointed to find out that many of the parts from my previous pump were not compatible with this pump. However, this kit gives you everything you need, so it's not a huge deal. My second complaint is that there are a lot of parts, which makes cleaning a longer process. Overall, this is a great pump, and I would recommend it to other pumping mothers. Thank you WeeSpring Parent Panel for giving me this wonderful pump to try and review!
Pros:
1. Quiet
2. Hospital grade
3. Portable
4. MyMedela app
Cons:
1. Is not compatible with many parts from previous pumps.
2. A lot of parts.

Date published: 2018-03-05

Rated 4 out of
5 by
KeriGC from
Sleek, Quiet, and EffiecientI love that this pump is sleek and portable. It looks a lot like a modern alarm clock and the battery is absolutely amazing. It's pretty easy to figure out and while it's not silent it's quiet and more effective than my previous pump. The instructions are clear and I really like the way the pieces are color coded to match the diagrams in the instruction manual. The bottles hold a full five ounces, which is nice because that's about what I pump in a single session on one side and the bottles I was using before only held four ounces. The carry bag is also a bit nicer than some others I've come across, resembling a simple black purse. Efficiency is where this pump really shines for me. I was able to coax an extra ounce per breast out in my morning pumping sessions.
As a mom of a 7m old whose teething and hates sleep, I really love the MyMedela app. I wish I had it when I first came home from the hospital because it makes keeping track so much easier.
While it's stronger than my previous pump, I wouldn't actually consider this hospital grade if I weren't told it was. The number of parts was also a downside for me. I find the idea of a portable pump with ten parts needed at a time to be a bit ironic. I also didn't like the "storage mode" since it requires you to plug the pump on to deactivate. If you leave your cord at home you're stuck. The numerous part meant this pump was more difficult to clean, which is a pain when you have to hand wash. There are also only two flange sizes offered with this pump and I got lucky this time in that one of the sizes worked for me, but a larger selection would be better. The bottle stands are definitely necessary but cumbersome.
Overall, this is the best pump I've tried. It's sleek, portable, and effective. Thanks to the weeSpring Parent Panel for providing me with this pump.

Date published: 2018-03-06

Rated 4 out of
5 by
TrueReviewMom! On yourube from
Awesome pump ! ·Review provided by
TrueReviewMom! on youtube
I received this pump absolutely free for reviewing purposes from Medela.
Pros:
Ease of use: “Great product, easy to learn.”
Size: “This is quiet, light weight and portable.
Does the job great but has a flaws that need to be improved.
I'm not a first time mom so struggling with undersupply for my baby was always an issue. I got the Medela PISA that I did not respond well to and had been renting the symphony pump from the hospital.
The sonota is more efficient and significantly quieter than both pumps listed above.
When I was breastfeeding/pumping.
CONs: A little to pricey for moms really!
I've had this breast pump since my son has been a baby. I was renting the symphony as I have been exclusively pumping since
Pumping more milk but horrible to clean.
I was super excited about the sonata for myself to replace my older version of the pump in style. I am pumping on average 1.0-2 oz more milk per session with this pump! Again, I had an older version of the pump in style, so maybe it just wasn't as effective as the newer models. My biggest complaint about this pump is that it is horrible to clean. There are so many parts, and they are not interchangeable with medela's other pumps, which really sucks because I have so many parts to the pump in style to where I would not have to clean the parts in between sessions, I would just use enough for 3-4 sessions worth and wash at night. Because it is such a pain to clean. Using the sonata at home and on the go. I am a mom on the go so I don't have time to clean the parts in between sessions everytime nor would I want to. I guess if the pump replacement sets were not so expensive I would buy more parts, but I can't get myself to spend the money right now! Overall, I LOVE that I'm pumping more and that it is easy "on the go"--I'm not stuck to the wall like the pump in style. So I give it 4 stars.

Date published: 2018-02-02

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Hae1211 from
This pump is amazing!Thank you, thank you, thank you to weeSpring Parent Panel for providing me this AMAZING pump to try out. I have had two other pumps, both closed systems, one battery operated and one was plug in. I primarily use my plug in at home and the battery operated one when I go to the office. It was such a welcomed change to use the Sonata at home. I wake up excessively early to pump while my son is still asleep. I no longer need to worry about unlatching myself from the pump to go get him if he cries, which he always does when I pump, I can just take the pump with me. I will say that handle isn't the easiest to hold onto, but that's such a small price to pay for portability, I just need to make sure I've got a good hold on it.
The battery lasts about 2.5 pumping sessions of 30 minutes each, I do wish that was a tad bit longer. I'm going to Florida later this month and would like to not have to charge the battery, but I will most likely need to.
I am interested to know how much replacement parts are for it. With other pumps you need to replace the parts ever couple of months. I don't feel like you would need to replace the parts with this pump unless you tore the diaphragm. The parts seem pretty sturdy, so I would assume the parts would be a little more expensive than the traditional ones, but if you only had to replace them once a year, that would be great.
The Sonata is lightweight, absolutely beautiful, as far as pumps go. I like that it's easy to use, it kind of takes the guess work out of pumping. Some people may like the ability to change levels, but I always wind up doing something else and forgetting all about it. I like that I can just turn this on and if I remember to switch, great, but if not, the pump has me covered. I love the whole pump package, it came with a little cooler with an ice pack, some bottles, a pump bag, and the pump. I have been so pleased with the gentleness of the pump and the ease of use.

Date published: 2018-03-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Jaimie M from
A must have baby registry item!Breast feeding was important to me and I knew I needed a breast pump I could rely on for every day frequent use. If you’ve pumped before, you know that no two breast pumps are created equal. I put the Medela Sonata to the test and my first opinion on it was that compared to other breast pumps that I have used, the Sonata made it more efficient and comfortable to use in public places. It’s my everyday go to when ever I need to pump. The Sonata is so quiet that it makes other breast pumps sound like dinosaurs. This made all the difference in the world to me as an active mom who is always out and about on the go. On the surface, the Sonata is simple, sophisticated looking and portable. One of the things I appreciated most about the Sonata was my ability to pump free roaming and to not have to be tethered to a wall outlet until I was finished. The MyMedela app made it easy for me to time all my pumping sessions, provided me with a customizable personal dashboard with the ability to keep track of how much my baby ate, my pumping stats, keeping me on track of my baby’s development, and also provided me with great information to read about during my breast feeding journey. As a mother who had to suffer through engorgement and Mastitis, it was great to be able to have all the information I needed within the App. The Sonatas effecfiveness provided me with dependability and comfort. Knowing that I could depend on the effectiveness of this breast pump to make what is already hard easier on me made all the difference I the world. The responsiveness of the pump kept up with my changing body effectively, and constantly left me extremely satisfied with my output during each session. The Medela Sonata is versatile and very customizable. A must have baby registry item for sure. Thank you to the weeSpring Parent Panel for giving me the opportunity to review the new Medela Sonata breast pump. I received this breast pump as a free item, but these opinions are my own.

Date published: 2018-03-03

Rated 5 out of
5 by
NKirk from
Perfect pump for working momI received this product from the weeSpring parent Panel at no cost. I use this pump multiple times a day, 5 days a week at work and love it. I also had the Medela Pump in Style which I got through insurance. I never had any issues with it and always pumped a good amount but the Sonota is definitely a step up!
I love that it connects to the app and helps me keep track of times and amount that I pumped. You can look at the data to see if a certain level works best for you. I also used the app to keep track of nursing which was very convenient. So easy to sync to the app and you just hold down the Start button to complete your session and log the amounts.
I also preferred this one for work because it's so much quieter. I sit in an office with the door closed and do not have to worry about coworkers hearing me which is a relief.
I didn't really notice the pump changing in responsiveness but I liked that you could choose one of two different settings to see which works best for you. The suction also doesn't seem as intense. I was starting to get very sensitive from using it multiple times a day but once I switched to the Sonota that seemed to go away. Also be sure you are using the right size shields! This set comes with two sizes which is nice. The parts are also easy to clean. There aren't any small membranes to keep track of and you can easily put everything into a basket in the dishwasher. It's great that it also comes with the travel kit for the milk. This is a must for going to work.
The only thing I disliked was that the pieces are not see through like with the Pump in Style. I have to bend my neck to look and see if anything is dripping into the bottles. Otherwise, I don't know when to stop. If the top was see through it would be much easier to see if I am still successfully pumping.
I really enjoyed that this pump is lightweight, even with a built-in battery! I haven't had to use it yet but it's such a relief that I don't have to hunt down an outlet (if I had this product sooner it would have been perfect to bring to a wedding where I had to hunt down a place to sit with an outlet). I definitely recommend this step up from the Pump in Style. So many great additional features.

Date published: 2018-03-07

Rated 5 out of
5 by
elocjay from
Great Features and PerformanceOverall, I was really pleased with this pump. I have never used an electric pump before, and as such can only compare it to the inexpensive hand-held pump I purchased when my baby was first born. However, the features of this pump are amazing and I will definitely never go back to the hand-held pump! It works quickly and efficiently once you find the right size breast shield. I love that the pump is customizable in terms of the shields - neither of the two that came with it worked very well for me (it would express milk but it took a long time and expressing all the milk was difficult). I was able to purchase one size smaller, though, and it worked so much better from that point on. My one complaint would probably be that it was difficult for me to determine what size breast shield I needed - the instructions are clear but it is much easier said than done and required a lot of trial and error.
In all though, the features are fantastic. It's very convenient that the pump hooks up easily to the app; I'm terrible at tracking manually, so it's really useful that it sends the information automatically. It definitely was not disruptive in terms of noise, either - I don't have any other electric pump to compare it to, but the noise level did not bother me at all. I love that it can be used without being plugged in, if needed, and that it has an option to help with let down in addition to the traditional pumping setting. It's super nice to be able to pause the session if needed without stopping the whole thing, too. In addition, it's really easy to take apart and clean the parts that need to be washed frequently, which is a big plus.
I think the carry bag and accessories that it comes with are wonderful, as well! Everything fits neatly in the bag if you need to take the pump on the go and it's very discreet. I also really appreciated the custom cooler that perfectly fits the bottles for easy storage while out and about.
I love the ability this pump gives me to take some time to go do things by myself occasionally while still providing the nourishment my baby needs and keeping my supply up. I would definitely recommend it!
I received this breast pump from the weeSpring Parent Panel in exchange for my honest review.

Date published: 2018-03-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
AndreaAnderson11 from
This pump made me enjoy pumping, for real.I was given this breast pump to try as part of the weeSpring Parent Panel and I've been using it every day since! I also own the Medela Pump in Style Advanced and while it performed ok, the Sonata is truly an improvement over the previous version. First and foremost, it is much more comfortable to pump than the previous version- I'm finding that the settings/pumping rhythms are not painful at all (whereas the PISA seemed to be a bit aggressive/painful, but I found the settings had to be high to get any sort of output) and because I'm more comfortable/relaxed, I'm finding my output to be increased over the amounts I'd get with the PISA, and in less time, which is so great. Secondly, the ability to move around the house without being connected to the wall while pumping is a game changer. The battery life on the Sonata is pretty good; I would say it lasts through about 6 or 7 15-minute pumping sessions before needing to be recharged, so I plug it in every night before going to bed. But even if I forget to charge it the night before, I find that it charges up pretty quickly, so even a 10-minute charge will get you through one or two pumping sessions in a pinch. In addition, the design of the pump is great. The buttons are intuitive and it is easy to operate right out of the box. It is also markedly quieter than the PISA, which means I can actually hold a conversation while pumping, and I'm not afraid that it will wake the baby if he falls asleep while pumping (he only eats from one side per feeding; so I pump the other breast during each feeding to keep up my supply and prevent clogged ducts). Another thing I wasn't sure if I'd use but find myself now using every single day is the Medela app. It connects quickly and seamlessly via bluetooth to the pump and it makes it so easy to track pumping sessions (as well as breastfeeding sessions, diaper changes, weight, etc.). I'm finding it super interesting to track exactly how much milk I'm pumping per day/week and identifying patterns/times of the day where I'm more likely to produce more/less. If I were to have any hangups, it would just be that there are still a lot of parts to take apart and clean, which can get a bit annoying when you're pumping 6+ times a day. If it's possible to design a pump with less individual parts, that would be an even greater improvement. But all in all, I would have to say I'm honestly very impressed with this pump and I would even go so far as to say, enjoy using it. If you're looking for a good pump, this one should definitely be considered.

Date published: 2018-03-03

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Cydney from
Quiet and Efficient!Thank you to the weeSpring Parent Panel for sending me the Medela Sonata Breast Pump to try and review. For the past 9 months, I breastfeed my daughter when I am with her at home, but pump 3x during the day at work. I received another breast pump through insurance that I had been using up until now. Around month 9, I noticed my production starting to drop despite my efforts to bring it back up (additional pumping sessions, breastfeeding on demand, lactation teas, etc.). Enter the Sonata - this breast pump is incredibly efficient. So much so that my production increased almost immediately. I love that it is hospital grade without being overly bulky or heavy.
Some of the features that I fell in love with were:
1) The user interface, it is digital, very intuitive, and allows you to control the settings, while looking extremely nice
2) The timer function! I was forever forgetting how long I had been pumping with my old pump - with this I do not have to worry as the machine starts timing when you start
3) The internal battery function - it is so convenient to not have to carry charger/cord around with you wherever you need to pump. The battery also lasts a decent amount of time (3-4 days with regular use) on a single charge
4) How light the pump is! I honestly couldn't believe how non bulky and sleek looking it is. I bring this to work with me every day and it is much lighter than my other pump. I also have it sitting on my desk at work and it is very elegant looking
5) How quiet the pump is! I am fortunate enough to have a private office but the walls between our offices are very thin so the loud suction noise of other pumps always made me feel self-conscious. The Sonata is so quiet that my co-workers are not able to hear it through the walls
6) The MyMedela app is very convenient for keeping track of your pumping sessions.. Although I think I would use/appreciate the app more if I had this pump when I first started pumping
7) This pump is priced incredibly well for being hospital grade. I searched around for other hospital grade pumps and they were easily double, if not triple, the price of the Sonata
Some of the things about the pump I didn't like were:
1) The transition from stimulation to expression phase. The first suction of expression phase is always a little rough for me, but the feeling only lasts for a moment and does not take away from the overall enjoyment of the pump
2) The bag that comes with the kit (which has nothing to do with the actual pump itself) is a little non-functional. It is awkward to carry and not very fashionable.
3) The bottle components are a little bulky. There are a number of parts to put together, 5 including the bottle, that are very large and cumbersome. I use a hands-free pumping bra and I need to have it tight around my chest in order to hold the bottles up. What is nice about these parts though, is they are all dishwasher safe and there are no nooks or crannies for water to get stuck in and mold.
Overall, I think this is an amazing, hospital grade pump with only a few minor flaws. It is quiet and efficient, while still beautiful.

Date published: 2018-03-04

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Tdague from
Solid pump with great technological applicationsI received this breast pump from wee Spring Parent Panel. I was extremely excited to test this pump as I loved my other pump (not a Medela) but had heard so many great things about Medela. I have a five month old son who was breast milk fed only.
I tested this pump for several weeks, mostly at work because I nursed when I was at home but I did test this during the overnight pump session on a few occasions as well. I really wanted to test how quiet this pump was. After the letdown period this pump is extra quiet and that was fantastic for attempting to pump while in bed without waking my husband. The negative that I found was that during the letdown period this pump is not quiet and was actually louder than my other pump. My husband did wake up during the letdown portion of the pumping. This was still very quiet for the work sessions though, I doubt anyone could hear me outside of the pumping room.
I was impressed with the breast shields, the angle was beyond perfect! You can sit up straight without having to lean forward, this was a fantastic change of pace for me and my back felt so much better at the end of the day. I also appreciated the double tubing. It was great that the tubes were combined so I could move without tugging on one or the other.
I was not impressed with the quantity of pump parts required. The shields are separated at a point where it is hard to get all the milk into the bottle. I felt like I was wasting milk every time I pumped because it was stuck in all of the pieces. There are 5 individual pieces that have to be taken apart, cleaned, dried and put together each time you pump. This does not include the bottles or the lids.The pump parts are not readily available at Target and such so do not forget anything at home. They are also not available to buy from the website in anything besides an entire kit. You can purchase parts directly from the app though. The parts for the Sonata are not interchangeable with the other Medela models.
The app for your phone was intriguing to me. I found some pieces to be exceptional and some to be a bit disappointing and even downright upsetting. I will start with the positives; this was very handy, it was easy to add in the details from an individual pump session, easy to access input information, articles are readily available, super user friendly. This would be ideal for a brand new mom coming home from the hospital because the app also allows you to input details for breastfeeding like which side you used, how long, etc. It is fully functional for newborns with a diaper count and sleep tracker also. There were even checklists for top items to take to the hospital for birth and top items to back for the first day back at work. Here were the things I thought were just okay; the articles are targeted slightly for where you are at in the timeline of nursing however it is several weeks before some of the articles change, there is a chart that shows volume vs time spent pumping and breaks it down to show what you average each time, there are actually charts for several categories but you have to spend the time inputting the data. The biggest part that I was very upset with was the material provided in some of the articles. Unfortunately I had come to a point in my breastfeeding journey where my supply had dropped a bit and I was having to supplement with formula. The articles appeared to be sales articles that you only need breast milk and the problem is how you are pumping or the pump you are using. Many of them made me feel bad like I was doing a bad job as a mom because I could not produce enough milk for my son. Personally I think this is a poor presentation and I would have much rather seen articles about how to stress less so I could make more milk and how to be okay emotionally if I did have to introduce formula to my breast milk only baby. Articles of this magnitude would have changed my review substantially.
The bag was great ish. I loved that the pump came with a bag as my other pumps did not. It was wonderfully convenient and appreciated. The requirements for the pump all fit in the bag. It would be even better if there were color/ design options too. The downside to the bag in my opinion was that nothing "extra" fit, by that I mean that there was not room for a spare set of parts or water bottle or snacks. All those little extras that generally go along with pumping have to be carried separately due to the size of the bag. I was able to get my pumping bra in the bag so if I had to pick between carrying my water bottle through the office and carrying my pumping bra I was happy to carry the water bottle but it would have been great if I could have put both in the bag.
The pump itself was pretty great. I was comfortable with the suction and followed the pumping recomendations provided in the app by Medela. I did get slightly more milk during the work day than I was with my other pump although it was not a magical increase. It was nice and quiet as well as fairly compact. I appreciated that this pump came with all the basic requirements and anything else you wanted was simply a want. Ice pack, bottles, pump pieces and bag were all included with the pump itself. I LOVE the battery! I drive a half hour to work every day so the option to pump when life gets extra busy was phenomenal, this was the best part of the pump in my opinion.
I did have issues with the pump remembering my personal settings when starting each new session. It would show as tracking but would still go back to the standard setting for suction level. The times where this functionality worked was great though!
Overall I thought the pump was good. Had the app been less guilt inducing I would have appreciated the pump overall more. I loved that there was an increase in milk and that the pump was convenient. I was less of a fan of the cost of replacement parts and that they are not readily available. I do still think this is a great pump and have recommended it to friends with the caveats I listed above. Knowing the price listed on the website I am not sure that I could justify the difference from my other pump but with the supply challenges I faced I will be using this with child #2 for sure.